The Analog Rytm is still Elektron’s new kid on the block. With eight analog voices, each with an oscillator section, multimode filter, and overdrive circuit, it’s a club music powerhouse that’s quickly become adopted by big named artists such as Aphex Twin, Plaid and John Tejada. One of the useful features of the Rytm is… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Tutorials
Making Music in the Browser – Web MIDI API
MIDI has officially hit the web browser! Well, at least in Google Chrome. With the latest version of Google Chrome, MIDI is enabled by default, whereas previously it needed to be enabled by setting a special flag in your browser. This opens up a huge variety of possibilities for not only art and music in… Read more »
Simple Synthesis: Part 7, Oscillator Sync
Subtractive synthesis is heavily reliant on different wave types to increase the variety of possible sounds. Decades ago, when synth makers were trying to find novel ways to get more milage out of their oscillators they decided upon an interesting solution: Oscillator Sync.
Controller Scripting in Bitwig Studio, Part 2
In the previous article we walked through the setup and creation of a basic controller script for Bitwig Studio. In this next installment we will implement freely mappable CCs so you can use any controller you have laying around to interact with Bitwig.
Simple Synthesis: Part 6, Pulse Width Modulation
There’s a lot more to oscillators than a simple output frequency. Common oscillators generally only output a few basic waveforms, but there are several ways to expand your sonic palette.
Controller Scripting in Bitwig Studio, Part 1
When I first heard about Bitwig Studio years ago, there was one feature that really caught my eye. In promotions for the software they always mentioned that they would have an ‘Open Controller Scripting API’. Coming from an environment like Ableton Live, which has an undocumented and ‘closed’ API, this was hugely exciting. In this… Read more »
Simple Synthesis: Part 5, Modular Sequencers
Back in the 1960s, it didn’t take synth maker pioneers like Moog and Buchla very long to realize the fun and usefulness of modules that could step through patterns of programmed voltage values. They are called sequencers and they are simple devices with powerful implications.
Sequencing the SEM: MIDI to CV Conversion
The best way to unlock the hidden potential of any semi-modular synthesizer is by sequencing. This post will describe the necessary steps to use the QuNexus as a MIDI-to-CV converter along with Ableton Live to control the legendary Oberheim Synthesizer Expander Module.
Simple Synthesis: Part 4, LFOs
One of the most powerful aspects of modular synthesis is the fact that almost everything can be modulated, making possible highly advanced sounds that change over time and can seem almost alive. Meet the LFO.
Simple Synthesis: Part 3, Filters
There are many ways to operate a modular synthesizer but one of the important methods of sound synthesis is called subtractive synthesis. To accomplish that you’re going need a filter.
Simple Synthesis: Part 2, Envelope Generators
At it’s best, electronic music can stimulate, energize, or hypnotize the conscious state of the the listener. To do that you’re going to need a few additional tools, or modules, to help shape your sound source into something that is more interesting and expressive.
Simple Synthesis, Part 1
You may have seen them on stage or on the internet, modular synthesizers look like a missing panel from a WWII era submarine and are operated by manipulating a grid of knobs through a web of patch cables. They are creators and manipulators of sound that are arranged as a set of modules where each… Read more »
QuNexus CV For Dummies
One of the things that makes the QuNexus so special is that it can act as a portable CV keyboard. But what does that mean?